SergeantMajorGray Posted October 3, 2013 Share #1 Posted October 3, 2013 Does anyone know the purpose for the velcro under the collar on the ACU uniform? If you need a picture of it let me know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squirrely Posted October 3, 2013 Share #2 Posted October 3, 2013 http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ec/ACU2004-06-14.jpg It's to keep the collar out of the way of the OTV body armor - the collar is always worn 'down' when body armor is not being worn. The IOTV has helped the issue, so it's more of a 'non-issue' at this point, and you'll rarely see Soldiers wearing the collar up like that for two reasons: 1. Maneuver elements (infantry, armor, etc.) are issued the 'sexy shirt' from massif. This has no collar. It's essentially a t-shirt with ACU pattern arms: http://blogs.reuters.com/afghanistan/files/2010/08/DSC_0655.JPG 2. Non-combat elements (staff, support, etc.) are also issued the massif shirt, but when going to the range, or any other activity involving the ACU jacket and body armor it's still more common to see people just wear the armor over the normal, folded collar. http://usarmy.vo.llnwd.net/e2/c/images/2012/03/02/237281/original.jpg Here's an image with both: http://www.defense.gov/dodcmsshare/newsphoto/2007-03/hires_070324-N-7949W-420.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SergeantMajorGray Posted October 3, 2013 Author Share #3 Posted October 3, 2013 http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ec/ACU2004-06-14.jpg It's to keep the collar out of the way of the OTV body armor - the collar is always worn 'down' when body armor is not being worn. The IOTV has helped the issue, so it's more of a 'non-issue' at this point, and you'll rarely see Soldiers wearing the collar up like that for two reasons: 1. Maneuver elements (infantry, armor, etc.) are issued the 'sexy shirt' from massif. This has no collar. It's essentially a t-shirt with ACU pattern arms: http://blogs.reuters.com/afghanistan/files/2010/08/DSC_0655.JPG 2. Non-combat elements (staff, support, etc.) are also issued the massif shirt, but when going to the range, or any other activity involving the ACU jacket and body armor it's still more common to see people just wear the armor over the normal, folded collar. http://usarmy.vo.llnwd.net/e2/c/images/2012/03/02/237281/original.jpg Here's an image with both: http://www.defense.gov/dodcmsshare/newsphoto/2007-03/hires_070324-N-7949W-420.jpg Thanks for the information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VolunteerArmoury Posted October 3, 2013 Share #4 Posted October 3, 2013 It's to place your next rank. At least that's what one of my buddies does. I've also know guys who have a Masonic rank sized patch attached to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRR Posted October 3, 2013 Share #5 Posted October 3, 2013 It was designed by someone behind a desk. Never seen it get used in my Infantry battalion by anyone, but yes it was meant to allow the collar to be stood up for protection. Mine were all sewed down because after a while the velcro would curl and make the uniform look sloppier than it was already. Seen a lot of guys remove the velcro to keep the collar flat. If your IBA/IOTV was fitted properly and broke in, it would not rub your neck. It was a whole new world when we got the ACS, way more comfortable but not as rugged. I have seen the next rank being worn there, though it is not authorized. Never seen a mason patch as you can wear a mason ring as long as you not taking a DA Photo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawkdriver Posted October 3, 2013 Share #6 Posted October 3, 2013 Along the lines of TRR, it is designed to hold the collar at stupid angles so everyone can come and try laying it flat for you. I always cut mine off. The new solid plastic velcro was the last straw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squirrely Posted October 5, 2013 Share #7 Posted October 5, 2013 That solid plastic velcro is the WORST! It EATS the fuzzy side of the velcro and ruins an otherwise good uniform within three months of wear. Also, the solid stuff doesn't stick as easily, so you really have to press down on pockets or patches to keep them on...someone tried to fix it when it wasn't broken. I refuse to buy uniforms or patches with it anymore - just a waste of money. Does anyone have a picture of it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SergeantMajorGray Posted October 5, 2013 Author Share #8 Posted October 5, 2013 That solid plastic velcro is the WORST! It EATS the fuzzy side of the velcro and ruins an otherwise good uniform within three months of wear. Also, the solid stuff doesn't stick as easily, so you really have to press down on pockets or patches to keep them on...someone tried to fix it when it wasn't broken. I refuse to buy uniforms or patches with it anymore - just a waste of money. Does anyone have a picture of it? here you go Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SergeantMajorGray Posted October 5, 2013 Author Share #9 Posted October 5, 2013 The velcro makes trying to make the collar look good on the hanger a pain I can only imagine how great it is to wear lol. The older velcro was hard enough but the plastic is even worse. Thanks for all the comments guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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